One Hour: One Book (Video) “Ephesians”

Part of the “through the Bible” class series designed to help every Bible student understand the context and content of the Word:

God on the Move: The Letter to the Ephesians (Part Three, Ephesians 6:10-20)

Don’t you like to see a man or woman in a sharp, crisp looking uniform? Ever since the phrase rang out seventy years ago from the silver screen “There is something about a man in uniform!” it has been used as the title of articles, speeches, and even the opening of famous jokes. A sharp looking uniform attracts attention. The world over, we have come to appreciate a well-executed uniform that adds ceremony and distinctiveness to a setting. Cruise ships know that it is well worth it to maintain almost military style uniforms in relation to their crew – it makes passengers feel like the ship is in the hands of professionals. Police put on full regalia to honor their fallen because it shows their respect and the significance with which they hold the lives of their comrades. Even in a society that increasingly emphasizes the benefits of casual living, we continue to find comfort in the use of uniforms. They are a symbol of identity, belonging and special service.

There is a section of the letter to the Ephesians that carefully examined a kind of “uniform” – I have in mind more specifically the armored fighting apparatus of a Roman foot soldier. The purpose of the examination of armor was to offer a comparison to the powerful spiritual protections offered to the believer by God during the days of our current spiritual warfare. This “spiritual warfare armor” section of Ephesians is often cited in Christian circles (perhaps more than it is well-used), and the portion of Scripture has become familiar to most believers – but the importance of the battle and the potential of the damage of misuse demands that we take the time to re-visit the rich word pictures of that section with regularity.

If you have been following our series of lessons on Paul’s life, you know that we left him in the end of the Book of Acts, where he sat and awaited an opportunity for appearance before Emperor Nero. While he remained there, the Apostle Paul wrote four letters – Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. We took a few lessons to look at the letter to the Ephesians – a letter that can easily be broken into three parts: The Call of the Believer (1-3); the Conduct of the Believer (4:1-6:9) and finally the Conflict of the Believer (6:10-20).

In our lesson on the Call of the Believer, we noted that Paul offered encouragement to believers that they were neither a mistake nor a surprise to God, but were ADOPTED and GIVEN AN INHERITANCE – as would have been the case with conquered armies of Rome. In the Conduct of the Believer section, we saw that instructions for behavior were offered by means of common Roman word pictures. We continue with pictures, but this time focus on a single, cohesive uniform of a Roman foot soldier in battle. The uniform was not decorative –each piece functioned to offer protection and assistance to one in conflict. The armor was costly but necessary. It’s use needed to be instructed by veterans in the Field of Mars training camp in Rome. Here is the truth Paul conveyed…

Key Principle: God offered us instructions on preparing for defense of our spiritual walk through a series of close-up pictures of Roman weaponry.

Let’s think back to the images and word pictures, to allow us to set the teaching from the armor in a context. We examined briefly six images well known to the Ephesian Roman citizens to instruct them on HOW TO WALK as a believer – each attached to a “walk” command.

#1: THE ROMAN FORUM SLAVE MARKET:

In Ephesians 4:1-3, we looked at a WORTHY WALK as a command to walk in the way that matches the value of what our Lord paid to purchase each of you – and enlist you in His service – taken from the Roman slave market. In a strange way, Paul said, rise to the price you cost God, and that will please Him. There was a sign around your neck when Jesus chose you – and it showed what He could make out of your life. Read it, and then try to live accordingly.

#2: THE ROMAN TRIUMPH PARADE (Virs Triumphalis)

Telling believers they are “slaves to Christ” is accurate, but would have been no doubt humiliating to Romans, and there was a balancing truth of SIGNIFICANT VALUE that was also illustrated by a Roman victory parade in Ephesians 4:7-13.

Paul’s image was this: the conquest of Jesus over the enemy demanded a triumph parade where the demonic world would smell the aroma of death – and Jesus spreads out “sparsiones” – gifts of conquest – in the form of men who were “apostles, and some [as] prophets, and some [as] evangelists, and some [as] pastors and teachers,”. These were to be seen as treasures that Christ provided from His conquest – men who were liberated by Him and tossed into the crowds to transform the world.

#3: THE THERMAE (ROMAN BATH):

Paul evoked his next image from one of the most popular places in any Roman city – the all-important bath complex in Ephesians 4:17-24. Here, the instruction moved from a “WORTHY WALK” to a “DISTINCT WALK”. Paul urged the Ephesians to GET CHANGED into the clean outfit for their call in Jesus. Roman bath complexes had artwork with two themes – sexuality and pagan mythology – but Paul’s instruction was a direct contrast. They needed to recognize that the pagan mind had no connection to God, and therefore has NO SENSITIVITY to pleasing God. Lost men are self-centered about pleasure, and calloused about sensuality. They lived to please appetites, not their Creator. He said: “Believers need to take off the old clothing of that life and put on godly behavior” – distinctive behaviors of right acts and holy deeds.

#4: THE ROMAN THEATRE

Another image in Ephesians 5:1-6, illustrated a “WALK IN LOVE” command that was to characterize them. He knew Romans used spectacles and entertainment to tell tales of pagan mythology and morality – but the Romans liked violence, and contemporary theatre crowds exploded with laughter over crude groin humor. A mime didn’t act like they do in parks today – they were more like a “Saturday Night Live” presentation that was thoroughly base and filled with sexual innuendo. The coarse dialogue and ludicrous actions were to get the crowd laughing. Paul leaned into this image with the words “Be imitators of God”. Mimicking God meant to walk in love – to meet needs of those around them. Yet, mimes of God must NOT use coarse speech nor empty chatter. In other words, people should know we are believers by the way we speak. In this theatre image, Paul said: “Don’t imitate actors, imitate God!” His words are true, loving, encouraging and helpful – they are never base or inappropriately sensual. His children should speak like their Father speaks – not like the street speaks.

#5: THE VIGILES (Night Watchman) of Roman Street

Paul offered another image in Ephesians 5:7-14 when he wrote about “WALKING AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT”. Night in the Roman city was dangerous for respectable people as a range of seedy characters ventured about the dark side of Roman life. Theft and murder were much more common in a world that had so many poor in close proximity to the rich, and didn’t have the advantages of a “CSI” to find the guilty. Roman authorities established the Vigiles Urbani (“watchmen of the City”) as both firefighters and police of Ancient Rome. Paul told the believers to be like the night watchmen – these “vigiles”. They needed to wake up in the darkness, and use the light of their torches to expose the dark deeds of men. They weren’t to be naïve, but rather carry a torch in the darkness. They create safe places for people by their trustworthy character and their refusal to be involved in the shady work of wicked men and women. They work to please their Master.

#6: THE ROMAN PUB (Popinae and Tavernae)

A final reference to a “walk” can be found in Ephesians 5:15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil….

Here Paul had another image at his disposal. Roman’s celebrated Bacchus – the god of wine – and his gift daily. They had a fundamental belief that wine was a daily necessity to daily life. They made the drink “democratic” and ubiquitous: it was available to slaves, peasants and aristocrats alike. Wine bars are found all over Pompeii and Herculaneum – cities uncovered by archaeologists. The Roman popina (plural: popinae) was an ancient Roman wine bar, where a limited menu of olives, bread, and soups or stews were sold, along with a selection of wines of varying quality and taste. This was the common pub for plebians of the lower classes of Roman society – the part of Roman social culture where so many believers came from. Every one of them knew about the popina, as we would know about a “Chilis” or “Outback Steakhouse”.

The wine bar had simple stools and tables. They provided food and drink, but also often provided sex and gambling. Respectable Romans of the upper classes considered these as seedy places of crime and violence. Some of them, perhaps many of them, had players of music, and provided background for drinking songs that echoed into the night…. Paul told the believers not to be foolish as the people who gambled away their money and fell into a drunken stupor. He called to their attention a different kind of song they could sing-the spiritual and uplifting song both on their tongue and in their heart before God. Spirit-filled believers are filled with song that builds up, song that pleases the Master. Paul told the people to get out of the “spirits” of the PUB and into the Spirit of God.

ARMOR: A Seventh Image (Ephesians 6:10-20)

All of these images were important to help us know how to behave in a distinct way – noticeable to the world around us. Yet there is a seventh image that captivates the Bible student because of its complexity, while it warns us because of the offer of its essential protection.

The armor of God is an essential protection to us. We can deflect the influences of the world and we can discipline ourselves to limit the damage of the flesh – but the Devil cannot be blocked without the use of armor.

You see, believers have three adversaries we are fighting – all at the same time…

• The World: By that, we mean the world system that lives in rebellion to God since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. We live in a fallen world of misplaced affections, filled with people who hunger for fulfillment and recognition because something they were designed to have (a relationship with God) is far from them and as a result, many who have strayed more deeply are characterized by a lack of respect for authority. The Bible makes clear it is easy to be “pressed into the mold of the world” (Rom. 12:1-2). It further makes clear that defeating the influence of the world for a believer is possible when we use a strategy He gave us. We must take care to guard against unwholesome influences in our lives while keeping our daily walk with God at the center of our lives.

• The Flesh: By this, we mean the fallen nature that is still alive within us until we are freed from this body. We must realize we are set on a “default” to hunger for temporal things and the pleasure found in them – and we are apt to complain when anything doesn’t offer immediate satisfaction. We are easily inconvenienced by others; we are careful to excuse ourselves and make ourselves victims instead of owners of our choices. The Bible offers strategies to defeating the flesh (sometimes called “the old man” inside of us). The methods include training to discipline our eyes, keep honorable our thoughts and deliberately live a life of meekness and humility. We must also deliberately work to focus on others as a tool in God’s hand, and not become self-consumed and self-indulgent.

• The Devil: By this, we mean the adversary of our Heavenly Father, who is described as a hungry prowling lion, who is deliberately looking for believer’s weaknesses so as to defeat them and thwart their testimony – all to bring shame on God’s reputation and discouragement to God’s people. He entices people to an agenda opposite of Jesus’ in their life. The Bible offers very careful defense plans for the believer to blunt the Devil’s attacks on each follower of God. First, we must learn to recognize those attacks while we learn to keep our armor on and weapons ready for the battle. His attacks are made using stealth, but they are strategies that have been uncovered in the Word of God. We must know the objective he has in order to defend the right places. The passage in Ephesians 6:10-20 is key in the strategy to fighting the “father of lies”.

Take a moment and look carefully at the text written by Paul from Rome to Ephesus:

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual [forces] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil [one]. 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19 and [pray] on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in [proclaiming] it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

We should also mention the text is followed by some personal notes in the final verses: 21 But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible [love].

Step back and look at the verses. They describe one of the greatest reasons why some believers with seemingly good lives fall into collapse and ruin. They help explain why some young and zealous Christians are quickly “cooled off” and back away from their faith. Why does it seem some don’t have the fire in their walk with God they once had? It may be because believers are getting hit by shots of the enemy, and aren’t using the protection and power God offered. In 2 Corinthians 2:11 Paul stated that his ministry team was not ignorant of Satan’s devises. Sadly, we know today that many believers ARE ignorant of the war, let alone the strategy of defense.

The armor of the Roman soldier became the image of the protective covering God provided for the believer. Paul took inventory and assessed the implements for the fight.

Before you even look at the armor, remember what is NOT PROTECTED on a Roman soldier – his BACK. There was no protection given for a Roman to RUN from battle. Even withdrawals were done FACING THE ENEMY. They were orderly, and they were protected. Running left soldiers wide open… don’t forget that! The battle must be engaged valiantly, and running is not a safe option once the battle has been engaged.

Paul urged the believers of Ephesus “to be strong in the Lord” (10). Perhaps they had an immediate question…How?

First, they needed to grab the resources God gave them – to “put on the armor of God”. This suggests that though God makes possible the armor, He holds each believer responsible to appropriate the pieces. Rome issued armor, but individual soldiers had to put it on properly and be prepared – or be hit by the enemy’s attack. Lazy soldiers get hit. It isn’t God’s fault that we don’t put on the protections He provided. I am repeatedly amazed at the number of believers who have fallen victim to the thinking that “the war is supposed to be easy”. I believe one of the most destructive theological trends has been the one that set up young believers to believe that the implication of God’s power was that I didn’t have to be concerned about DOING ANYTHING. Let’s be clear: God saved you without any payment necessary on your part, but that doesn’t mean that following Him won’t come at a cost. You will need to recognize there is a war going on, and there is an enemy who is lurking in the bushes looking for straying believers that were inattentive to armor strapping.

Second, Paul told them they needed to identify the real enemy – “stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (11b-12). Here is another area where the Devil has been so effective – getting the weaponry of the church pointed at the wrong things. The battle for our courts is not in Washington, but ABOVE it. While Christians picket, but forget to PRAY – they set themselves up for defeat upon defeat. Either “the fervent effectual prayer of a righteous man avails much” or it doesn’t. Either prayer, directed strategically at the enemy’s plans is the path to disrupting them, or it is a quiet, pious, Christian tradition that does little. What does the Bible say? It clearly says that we are to struggle – but not against the fleshly armies of fallen men – rather against the powers that stir them of which they are unaware.

Third, they needed to deliberately put on ALL the protection provided by God (6:13). The emphasis is on those who don’t realize when the darts are flying, they need the second type of armor. Paul explained two types of armor – daily armor and armor for times of attack:

The FIRST TYPE was that armor which must always be at the ready.

If there was a lull in the battle, the fighter was not to remove the first three implements. He indicated that in the verb form “always having” the:

• Belt of truthfulness: (the Greek text said to “gird” or cover with protection the “osphýs” – properly, the reproductive area used figuratively in 1 Pet 1:13 of the “reproductive” (creative) capacity of the renewed mind, using alethia: (truth as content) over the vulnerable area (14); Paul was not addressing the truth of salvation but rather one’s own commitment to protect truthfulness within the believer!

The point is simple: Truth is easy to leave unprotected, and the enemy loves a soft spot that will truly cripple. We must strap on daily a deliberate commitment to believe truth, speak truth and not accept any less than truth from our lips or in our hearts.

• Breastplate of righteousness (The breast cover is the “thṓraks” as in a “coat of mail” which protected the chest and extended down to the hips; figuratively it was that which protected the heart (the center of our moral choices). We are called to place deliberate protection over our heart and emotions or desires, insomuch as they bear on our decisions (resolutions and sympathies, etc.). Paul does not refer to self righteousness (Eph. 2:8-9), nor of imputed righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21), but of a life practice of righteousness, or holy living.

The point is direct: We are to cover our hearts with right choices NOW that protect our sympathies growing in ungodly directions. We must be careful how we allow our hearts to be tugged by ungodly enticements.

• Sandle guard straps with cleats fixed in position to provide a firm stand with the Gospel: The term (hupodeó) is to bind under the sandal a string of metal tabs that gained traction on the surface of the ground to hold the soldier in place on slippery soil. The term “preparation” is actually (het-oy-mas-ee’-ah) which means a preparing device that readies us for “firm footing”. The issue here is that the soldier needed to put on the cleats before the battle, or he was unprepared to stand when the battle ensued. Paul referred to the unmovable faith in the Gospel to bring peace in the life of the lost, and the rooted IDENTITY the believer has in that Gospel.

The point is essential: We are to prepare to stand in our place as those saved by God, not those who earned a walk with Him. Our identity is a key to our stability.

Many believers grasp the idea of protecting the truth, making right choices and knowing our identity in the Gospel – but under fire those are insufficient to protect us from the darts flying at us.

There is a SECOND TYPE of armor was indicated in the translation of “In addition to all” at the beginning of verse sixteen.

The term (pás) at the beginning of the sentence adds “extensive-intensive” when the Greek definite article is lacking. The point would perhaps be better translated: “When necessary because of the intensity of the circumstances”. The next three items seem appropriate at a time of attack:

• Blocking shield of faith: The (theuron) was a large shield to block arrows, normally some 4.5 feet by 2.5 feet. It was used in sequence – locked together. His reference of “faith” is not to “belief” as such, but to “trust” that changes our view of ourselves and the world around us. Paul said: “When the battle rages, use the shield by locking together; hold tightly and trust one another as you block for those behind you.

• Helmet of salvation: The term (per-ee-kef-al-ah’-yah) refers to the covering protection of the transformed mind) when we understand that our salvation has a PAST aspect: justification; a PRESENT aspect: sanctification; and a FUTURE aspect, our eventual glorification. We must see things through God’s eyes and learn to call the battle by His Word! We must deliberately stand guard over the mind – it is deception the enemy uses to do his damage.

• Sword of the Spirit: There is NO SWORD in this text. The “machaira” is rather a small dagger and not the broad sword, which is a word not used here (rhomphaia). The WORD (ray-ma) here is from the word “to pour, an utterance” of God. This refers to a specific Word from God that He gives to take a direct shot at the enemy! It doesn’t look deadly to your foe, because it is hidden and small – but when thrust at the enemy, it will cause him to recoil and run.

Paul made clear how can believers use the armor in verse eighteen (6:18): ”With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints…”

• It is used in prayer (for God wants us to ask Him for what we need)
• Believers use it when they persevere in troubles on their knees.
• Believers use it when they stay alert with one another in love.

Following Jesus means we watch out for where the enemy is going, and get praying NOW for believers that are about to get hit. Jesus is NOT LIKE His enemy:

Note some differences between Jesus and the enemy:

• Jesus gives life…The devil is a murderer (Jn. 8:44; Heb 2:14). Watch for places where people argue to justify KILLING and MURDER. The week following the French killings, the American radios were treated to scholars that tried to make the issue about how the killers were “not assimilated properly” by the French, and how their faith was not in any way involved in their motivation – though they clearly showed that it was. Watch for deception – especially in relation to “misunderstood killers”. Don’t be deceived.

• Jesus produces a productive life (fruit)… the devil sidelines us into wasted time and energy (Gal. 5:19-21). Be careful about your focus on leisure. The world needs those who will prayerfully and deliberately accomplish objectives for Jesus, not spend endless hours on digital distraction.

• Jesus tests us to help us mature (James 1:3)…the devil wounds us to hurt us and “devour” us (1 Pet. 5:8). God uses conviction that leads us back to Him, the devil uses guilt that pulls us to withdraw and feel badly – learn to distinguish between them.

• Jesus sets us free to serve His Father in love (Jn. 8:31-32)…the devil binds and enslaves with an end to destroy a life (2 Tim. 2:26).

• Jesus advocates for us – speaks on our behalf before the Father… while the devil “accuses us day and night” before God (Rev. 12:10).

We must recognize that we were born again into a war zone, in the late hours of a raging conflict that is set to destroy or renew the whole world.

Zig Ziglar told a story some years ago that may help pull together the issues of the text for a believer today:

“Oil was discovered on some Oklahoma property belonging to an elderly Indian. All his life he had been poverty stricken, just eking out a living. But the discovery of oil had suddenly made him a very wealthy man. The first thing he bought was a very big Cadillac. He wanted the longest car in the county, so he added four spare tires on the trunk. He would dress up in his new clothes and everyday he would take his Cadillac into the hot dusty little town nearby. He wanted to see everyone and he wanted everyone to see him. He was a friendly old soul. so when he was riding through town he would turn in all directions to wave at all the people as he rolled by. Interesting enough, he never ran into anybody nor into anything. The reason for this was that directly in front of that big beautiful auto was two horses harnessed to it and pulling it. There was nothing wrong with the car’s engine. It was because the old Indian had never learned to drive it. He had never learned how to insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it on. Under the hood was 100 plus horsepower ready and willing and raring to go, but the old Indian was content to use the two horsepower hooked to the front of the car. The devil gets really happy (or as happy as a devil can get) when he can keep the believer chugging along in their Christian life on a two horse power faith level. At that rate, the spiritual progress is slowed down to a crawl, and this is what the devil is after in his warfare with us.” (Zig Ziglar—From the Book: See You at the Top).

God offered us instructions on preparing for defense of our spiritual walk through a series of close-up pictures of Roman weaponry. The question is whether or not we will use them – NOT if they are effective when we use them.

God on the Move: The Letter to the Ephesians (Part Two, Ephesians 4:1-6:9)

Just before I was first married, I came back to the United States from Israel for a few years, working in an assembly plant of a computer robotics firm in Elkhart, Indiana. Dottie and I got married and moved out to a place where we knew no one, but it turned out to be, in some ways, a very fun time in our lives! Being newly married to my sweetheart and learning about life together in a big old broken-down house with excruciatingly tight finances, we had to figure it out and make it all work. At my job, it was a stimulating time for me, as I was learning about Cyber-basic as a programming language, and how to assembly electronic robots that in turn built everything from diapers to car stereos in plant locations around the Midwestern United States. I started on the factory floor in the assembly section, and was moved after a year to a training position for new people who were hired to do that work. The company taught me my first computer language, and I explored a whole new world of tools and robotic methods that I had never even heard of before. Here is what I know: The assembly of complex robots is nothing less than a thoroughly fascinating craft, in which thousands of parts are meticulously assembled and wired to a panel, and the misplacement of ANY single part can have devastating consequences.

Let me ask you a question: “Have you ever tried to put something together that was really complicated?” The truth is, if you are a Christian, you are in the middle of learning that right now! You are learning to allow God’s Spirit to help you assemble LIFE, to live according to God’s Word, and to walk with Jesus joyfully. Like any complicated arrangement, it is not easy to learn – but there are some instructions that will help.

I think there are three simple yet profound words that can strike fear into the heart of a parent of a toddler when they bring a large box into their home… The simple words “Some Assembly Required”. The problem is that many instruction sheets seem to be written by an engineer who originally came from a Swahili-speaking village with only a marginal knowledge of English grammar and syntax. Thankfully, some manufacturers help by mercifully embedding into the instructions a series of drawings or pictures that visually show how the assembly is supposed to come together.

If you think assembling yard toys is difficult, assembling a life that honors God is exponentially more complex. Yet, again we have instructions with pictures. In the second part of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we have a series of “pictures” (though they are admittedly “word pictures”) that show how a believer is to be “constructed”. Yet, because we live so long after the letter was written, the pictures may not pop out at us with the clarity they did when read two thousand years ago. I am referring to the clear and compelling word pictures Paul used in a letter to first century believers to give them clarity on the conduct of a believer – and how certain actions of the Christian should be patterned into their daily life to help them become what God intended.

Key Principle: God offered us instructions on life choices through a series of pictures that were designed to illustrate how He wants to work in and through us!

In our last lesson, we looked at the “Call of the Believer” in an effort to draw out some encouragement from the idea that believers are neither a mistake nor a surprise to God – and we found some consolation in God’s clear choice to love and care for us. Let’s move forward now into the next section of the letter that is referred to as “The Conduct of the Believer” (Ephesians 4:1-6:9). For an historian and archaeology student – this is the really FUN part of the letter – since it was relayed through a series of images from the Roman world.

Before I jump into the Roman past, let’s be clear about the direction the Apostle Paul took in the letter. Here was his bottom line: Paul argued openly that each Ephesian believer had a great calling of God, yet there was a practical side to His call. The rich inheritance believers received from the Father necessitated that they cease living as though they were still in “lost” society, following the desires of the fallen flesh. To make his point, Paul used pictures common to Roman life to address what the WALK of a believer was intended to look like.

There were six images well known to the Ephesian Roman citizens to instruct them on HOW TO WALK as a believer. In fact, Paul used that term “WALK” repeatedly between Ephesians 4:1-6:9, and we will try to make note of each as we study this section. Let’s begin with the first image…

#1: THE ROMAN FORUM SLAVE MARKET:

Ephesians 4:1-3: “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

When the Apostle Paul spoke from his “light chain of arrest” to the people of the church at Ephesus, he told them to WALK WORTHY (the terms “peripateo axios” mean literally: conduct your life in a worthy manner). The image was borrowed from the familiar shopping area or forum at Ephesus – the heart of the ROMAN SLAVE MARKET for the cities of Asia Minor. Even earlier in the letter, Paul made the point believers were “slaves to sin” that had been set free and that each believer was subsequently adopted by a family of great stature (Ephesians 2:11-13). This followed the familiar post war market pattern…

In the first century, when the Romans conquered a tribe from among the Gauls or Celts, they routinely enslaved the populace and eventually made them into Roman servants, transporting the best to the slave markets across the Empire. Each Gaul or Celt had to be legally adopted and registered as part of a family “gens” or clan of Romans – and they became in the patronage system like a member of the family. Yet they needed more than a name change – they were supposed to change their lifestyle to match their new name!

As Ephesians 4:1 began, Paul anticipated something about his readership. Romans fully believed they had the unmitigated right to own conquered peoples. These were not just for the wealthy – slave ownership was common among Romans. The law demanded that dealers disclosed the ethnic origin (natio) of the slaves they were selling. In the market placards (tituli) were hung from the necks of the slaves for sale detailing their place of origin, unique abilities, special talents and (of course) less frequently, their bad points. Most were sold with a “money back” guarantee.

Paul reminded the believers they were BOUGHT by Jesus, and need to live up to the titulus placard of their skills. Look closely at Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore (parakaleo: encourage) you to walk in a manner worthy (viewed as suitable because the cost “matches” actual value) of the calling with which you have been called…”

Here is the point: Jesus paid an incredible price for us – and we should serve the role that He placed us in with certain specific character traits. What are they? We should serve with these five characteristics today:

1. 2 with all humility (other person centeredness) Put the other people in your life before yourself.
2. with gentleness (prah-oo’-tace: feminine noun from the root pra-, emphasizing divine sourced “gentle strength” which expresses power with reserve and gentleness). Care for others tenderly.
3. with patience (makro-thumia). Don’t easily boil or erupt with them.
4. showing tolerance (an-ekh’-om-ahee: endure, bear with) for one another in love (agape). Bear with their needs, and meet them where you are able.
5. 3 being diligent (spoo-dad’-zo: be swift, quick) to preserve (tay-reh’-o: to guard) the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Catch every opportunity to build up and keep people together.

I am walking with Jesus well when I put others before myself – just as Jesus did in dying for me. I am pleasing Jesus in my walk when I am tender to others, not snapping or angry in responses to them. I make Jesus smile when I look with understanding at my needy brothers and try to meet their needs – even when it will cost me. I please my Lord when I am swift to hold believers together, and keep the unity that He gave us in Jesus. In a strange way, Paul said, rise to the price you cost God, and that will please Him.

There was a sign around your neck when Jesus chose you – and it showed what He could make out of your life. Read it, and then try to live accordingly.

#2: THE ROMAN TRIUMPH PARADE (Virs Triumphalis)

How were the massive number of slaves brought from Gaul or Celtic territories to the ROMAN SLAVE MARKET? In grand Roman triumphalism, it was done by city “triumph celebrations” that began in Rome and were mimicked in major cities, along with the erection of monuments following the parades. Telling believers they are “slaves to Christ” is accurate, but would have been no doubt humiliating, and there was a balancing truth of SIGNIFICANT VALUE that was also illustrated by a common image from the Roman world – A VIRS TRIUMPHALIS Roman victory parade.

Paul followed up the imagery of the slavery with the imagery of THE TRIUMPH PARADE of Jesus, where he led the captives and spread out gifts before the crowds gathered in His honor.

Ephesians 4:7 “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES, AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN.” 9 (Now this [expression], “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.) 11 And He gave some [as] apostles, and some [as] prophets, and some [as] evangelists, and some [as] pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”

As Rome spread her control over the Mediterranean Basin and beyond, it was her custom to welcome her victorious generals and their troops with a massive procession that would work its way through the Forum under a series of “triumphal arches” showing the new triumph’s connection to the history of Roman domination. It was a day of celebration that eventually became the template for such parades across major cities the empire. It was a day for heroes! The crowds attended because “sparsiones” were tossed to onlookers, like tickets for free beer or conquered brass jewelry chains, etc.

In order to celebrate the Triumph legal conditions had to be satisfied: The general in attendance must have been the field commander. The campaign had to be completed, the region pacified, and the troops brought home. At least five thousand of the enemy must have died in battle. The conquest must have contributed to Roman expansion and civilizing of the masses of barbarians. It must have been against a foreign foe, not a civil war.

The Procession typically would follow this order:

1. State officials and the Roman Senate.
2. Trumpeters.
3. Spoils of war (eg., The golden candelabra, the Table of Showbread/Presence and gold trumpets in Titus’ Triumph of the Jewish War.)
4. Pictures of the conquered land, models of ships destroyed and citadels captured.
5. A white bull to be sacrificed.
6. Captives in chains: Enemy princes, generals and leaders to be executed.
7. Lictors: Minor officials bearing fasces (bound rods) who cleared the way for
the person(s) to be honored.
8. Musicians playing lyres.
9. Priests carrying censers of perfume. To the victors it was a perfume of joy,
triumph and life. To the following captives it spoke of defeat and death.
10. The general in a chariot drawn by 4 (white?) horses. The general wore a
purple tunic with gold palm leaves and over it a purple toga with gold stars.
11. The general’s family.
12. His army wearing their decorations and shouting “Lo triumph!”

The line of march there would have soldiers holding flowers and urns of burning incense. The aroma would be sweet to the victors. The days of celebration would follow during which many of the captives would be offered to Roman vanity and bloodletting in the arena. For the victors there were fame, fortune and honors. For the captives there was slavery or death. Do you recall how Paul related this to the early Christians? In 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 Paul wrote: “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.”

Paul’s image was this: the conquest of Jesus over the enemy demands a triumph ceremony where the demonic world would smell the aroma of death – completed in Revelation 20. For the saved, the same aroma was a fragrance of the life of Christ given to us – and meant to be flowing from what we are, what we do and what we say.

Paul again referred to the “triumph of Jesus” in Ephesians 4, noting that Jesus came to the “Lower parts of the universe, namely the earth” and in the triumph parade recalling his victory, He spread out sparsiones – gifts of conquest – in the form of men who were “apostles, and some [as] prophets, and some [as] evangelists, and some [as] pastors and teachers,”. These were to be seen as treasures that Christ provided from His conquest – men who were liberated by Him and tossed into the crowds to transform the world. Part of the Triumph was the reminder that Rome conquered, but left behind in those places men of honor that would “civilize” the barbarians and bring them into the world of Roman influence. In a way, these were also gifts spread to take the world into the cause of Rome. Jesus did it similarly with men who He prepared in one place, and then “tossed” them into a new place to grow His kingdom until the local population comes to the unity of Christ.

#3: THE THERMAE (ROMAN BATH):

Paul evoked his next image from one of the most popular places in any Roman city – the bath complex.

Ephesians 4:17 says: “So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 2 1if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in [the likeness of] God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Let be careful to look at the words and see what Paul was saying to the believers through the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

For the image of this WALK – the walk DISTINCT from the lost world, Paul went to the BATH (thermae) and urged the Ephesians to GET CHANGED into the right outfit for their call in Jesus.

• All free Romans knew well the inside of a Roman bath. Most business contracts in the city were forged either in the shadow of the union hall called a COLLEGIUM or in the bath complex. Lawyers in Rome took client meetings at the baths.

• Every Roman bath had a locker room called an APODYTERIUM, where slaves stood guard over their master’s clothing, or had that clothing cleaned while the master bathed and lounged in the hot, tepid or cold bathing rooms – or perhaps in the porches or athletic gym areas attached to the baths.

• In every Roman bath complex where the artwork is still visible archaeologically, there are two themes – sexuality and pagan mythology. Nude statuary abounds with some of it designed to be quite provocative.

• Paul’s instruction to the believers was to recognize that the pagan mind doesn’t have the connection to God, and therefore has NO SENSITIVITY to pleasing God. They are self-centered about pleasure, and calloused about sensuality. They live to please appetites, not to please the Creator that made them.

Believers need to take off the old clothing of that life and put on godly behavior –that includes the distinctive behavior of right acts and holy deeds. In the end of the chapter (4:25-32), Paul applied the practice of this walk to WORDS about each other, PATIENT BEHAVIOR to one another, PEACE between believers, and the IMMEDIATE CEASING of anything that hasn’t been pleasing to God. Here is what God instructed through Paul:

Don’t walk like the world. Be distinct in pure thinking and pure words. Show good behavior between believers – not lustful and shady acts and words. If you are taking what isn’t yours – quit. If you are letting your mind wander – stop. It is time to change your clothes into new garb God wants you to wear! In this image God simply said: “Put on the distinctive clothing of one who walks in purity!”

#4: THE ROMAN THEATRE

Paul kept pressing common imagery, and we read more in Ephesians 5:1 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. 3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; 4 and [there must be no] filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.”

Rome was a vast empire, spread across three continents, with a variety of people groups and national backgrounds. They didn’t have a common alphabet, or common background. They were ethnically diverse with no common history. How can you mold that variety into an empire that sees itself as a singular people? The Romans used spectacles and entertainment to do it. They borrowed from the Greeks the theatrical entertainment used in Greek cities to tell tales of pagan mythology and morality – but the Romans moved the plays into more action and less thought. They liked violence, and they exploded with laughter over crude groin humor.

The Greeks had “tragedies” – where the gods and goddesses would mess with men and bring a turn of fortune to human characters. “Comedies” emerged that were produced to show how the foolish slave may show more wisdom than his wealthy owner – and surprise endings like that. Rising quickly in the Roman theatre was another kind of play – THE MIME. A mime didn’t act like they do in parks today – they were more like a “Saturday Night Live” presentation that was thoroughly base and sexual in its speech. The characters and situations were farcically portrayed as they MIMICKED characters of government – much like Tina Fey imitated Sarah Palin on stage a few years ago. The coarse dialogue and ludicrous actions were to get the crowd laughing.

Paul leaned into this image with the words “Be imitators of God” (using the term “mimic” – a theatrical term). Mimicking God means to walk in love – to meet needs of those around you. Mimicking lost men was to walk controlled by insatiable lusts. Follow God meant NOT walking with a coarse speech. Our mouths should show our Savior. We should speak truth, not empty chatter. We should speak in a way that builds up – not sensual and base speech. People should know we are believers by the way we speak. They should know by the way we encourage. They should notice that some words we used to use – we WON’T use now. They should see that even our sense of humor was changed by Jesus.

In this theatre image, Paul said: “Don’t imitate actors, imitate God!” His words are true, loving, encouraging and helpful – they are never base or inappropriately sensual. His children should speak like their Father speaks – not like the street speaks.

#5: THE VIGILES (Night Watchman) of Roman Street

Paul offered yet another image in Ephesians 5:7 when he wrote:

“Therefore do not be partakers with them; 8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light 9 (for the fruit of the Light [consists] in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.”

Roman cities were teeming with people in the daytime, but the streets were not full after dark. Because there was no refrigeration or way to keep food fresh, markets had to be resupplied every night for the next day’s commerce with fresh meat, fish, vegetables and fruits. Since the streets were so full, many cities would not allow load carts to occupy the streets during the daylight hours. As a result, the people on the street in the darkness of night were delivery carts, those leaving the brothels and pubs, and a range of seedy characters associated with the darker side of Roman life. “Respectables” traveled together from a dinner party as a caravan, and were accompanied by body guards. Theft and murder were much more common in a world that had so many poor in close proximity to the rich, and didn’t have the advantages of a “CSI” to find the guilty.

The Romans established the Vigiles Urbani (“watchmen of the City”) as both firefighters and police of Ancient Rome. In the beginning, the “Triumviri Nocturni” were privately owned slaves of the state, organized into a group that attempted to watch over the city at night. They were respected by law abiding citizens, and feared by thieves and thugs. They worked to please the magistrates of the city who called them to this excellent service. Paul told the believers to be like the night watchmen – the vigiles. They needed to wake up in the darkness, and use the light of their torches to expose the dark deeds of men. They weren’t to be naïve, nor were they to be ANY part of the dishonesty and darkness. The people of God carry a torch in the darkness. They help law abiding people to feel safe. They create safe places for people by their trustworthy character and their refusal to be involved in the shady work of wicked men and women. They work to please their Master.

Notice that Paul especially pointed out that when believers walk as children of the light, we get excited about learning what will bring our Master joy. Mature believers seek God’s delight – and not their own. They plan their day around things that will bring their Master honor – and not simply care for their desires. Paul told the people to be like the NIGHT WATCHMEN that walk in dark streets – but believers should carry the light of the truth – and that brings a measure of comfort to others around them while it makes God smile because of them.

#6: THE ROMAN PUB (Popinae and Tavernae)

Another reference to a “walk” is found in Ephesians 5:15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

Here Paul had another image at his disposal. Roman’s celebrated Bacchus – the god of wine – and his gift daily. They had a fundamental belief that wine was a daily necessity to daily life. They made the drink “democratic” and ubiquitous: it was available to slaves, peasants and aristocrats alike. Wine bars are found all over Pompeii and Herculaneum – cities uncovered by archaeologists. The Roman popina (plural: popinae) was an ancient Roman wine bars, where a limited menu of olives, bread, and soups or stews were sold, along with a selection of wines of varying quality and taste. This was the common pub for plebians of the lower classes of Roman society – the part of Roman social culture where so many believers came from. Every one of them knew about the popina, as we would know about a “Chilis” or “Outback Steakhouse”.

The wine bar had simple stools and tables. They provided food and drink, but also often provided sex and gambling. Respectable Romans of the upper classes considered these as seedy places of crime and violence. Though gambling with dice was illegal, huge numbers of dice have been uncovered in excavations of popinae in cities like Pompeii that most people ignored this law. Several wall paintings from Pompeian popinae show men throwing dice from a dice shaker. Prostitutes frequented popinae, met their customers and took them elsewhere. Some of them, perhaps many of them, had players of music, and provided background for drinking songs that echoed into the night…. Paul told the believers not to be foolish as the people who gambled away their money and fell into a drunken stupor. He called to their attention a different kind of song they could sing-the spiritual and uplifting song both on their tongue and in their heart before God.

The term DRUNK is literally “dominated by” – and refers to an issue of control. Don’t be CONTROLLED by wine – it is a waste. Rather, be filled with the Spirit of God – dominated by HIM. That domination of the Spirit – as opposed to “spirits” will lead to SONGS for the believers, and placing others ahead of ourselves.

Drunks don’t care about how loud they sing in the dark streets. They aren’t concerned about the baby they will awake. They are unaware, and empty of caring and consideration. Spirit-filled believers are filled with song that builds up, song that pleases the Master. They have songs of the heart, and songs of the lips while the do service with their hands. Paul told the people to get out of the “spirits” of the PUB and into the Spirit of God.

Here is the truth: Slave markets, Roman Parades, Baths, Theatre shows and Pubs – were all places Ephesians and all Romans knew. Paul wanted to make clear that their lives needed to be distinct, worthy, wise and dominated by God’s Spirit – and he used the best images he could think of to make the point. In the end it comes down to this: Life is like a coin. You can spend it anyway you want, but you can only spend it ONCE. Will it be for you, or for Him?

God offered us instructions on life choices through a series of pictures that were designed to illustrate how He wants to work in and through us!

God on the Move: “The Letter to the Ephesians” (Part One, Ephesians 1-3)

Growing up in a small town in South Jersey as a part of a big family, I learned early in life that dad’s role was to go off to “the plant” and work long hours at the oil refinery. I didn’t see my dad nearly as much as my children saw me growing up, but I knew he loved me, and I knew that he worked hard to keep food on the table. I also knew that he felt fortunate to be a part of a big corporation that offered not only a salary, but an array of what they called “benefits” to the employees. They expected much from my dad. He wasn’t available to come to school events, parties and many other things as we grew up – he had to work when they called. My mom said that in all the years he was at work she called him only a handful of time – because that just wasn’t done. The company owned your time – and you gave it to them. Why? Because they gave you what you needed for your family. They paid you and they held your benefit package.

Though many today cannot find employment that offers much more than a salary or even hourly wage, in some better companies, there are still offers of employment that include an entire benefit package. One of the problems with these benefits is that sometimes employees forget what ELSE their position costs the company beyond their salary. They see the paycheck, but they don’t see the astronomical rising costs of the benefit packages – which is why so many companies stopped offering them. The truth is that we often take for granted what has been supplied for so long it has become natural. We are Americans. We believe when the tap is turned, clean water should come out. When the light is turned on, the light should burn brightly. We have made incredible privileges into birth rights, when in fact we are a blessed people more than a deserving lot.

Even among believers today, we have some of the same afflictions of forgetfulness and privilege. We can easily take for granted and even forget both the cost to our Lord and the magnificent benefits that come in our relationship with God. It’s easy to lose track of what God has provided for us in our salvation in Christ. In fact, already in the first century, some believers were already doing it. They weren’t simply forgetful, they were being “picked on”, and many had come to believe they weren’t fully accepted by God because they weren’t fully accepted by other people. God responded by putting a burden on the Apostle Paul to tell those believers they were accepted, and remind them of incredible benefits they had in Christ!

Key Principle: A relationship with God through Jesus brings us certain hope, an eternal home and commanding help.

As we continue in this series of lessons, we have been following Paul’s life for some time. By the time he wrote the letter to the Ephesians – the letter that we want to address in this lesson, Paul had completed his three mission journeys, his three years of waiting on the coast of Judea, and a terrible journey that included a shipwreck, a snakebite and many new friends that he met along the way. Now he sat in Rome, together with Luke and probably Aristarchus. He was under “light chain” arrest – a supervised affair – awaiting a meeting with Emperor Nero, who didn’t publish his schedule ahead of time and didn’t wait for meetings when he wanted them.

We left off at the last verses of the Book of Acts:

Acts 28:30 And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.

As Luke recorded in those words, Paul sat and listened to visitors and corresponded by letters and couriers with various churches and young leaders of the faith. Some of the Epistles from this time include Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and a tiny, personal sounding, postcard-sized letter to Philemon. For a few minutes, join one of the house churches at Ephesus.

For the next few minutes as we study some of the words he penned, pretend you are sitting in the atrium of a Roman villa and listening to the letter that was just received from the Apostle Paul. Imagine you are in the room as the leader reads each word and then explains some of the comments… The reader could have easily divided the letter into three parts:

• The Call of the Believer (a section on encouragement, Chapters 1-3);
• The Conduct of the Believer (a section on instruction, Chapter 4:1-6:9);
• The Conflict of the Believer (a section on warning, 6:10-20).

In this lesson, I want to focus on the ENCOURAGEMENT. To get the flavor of the letter, take a moment and look at the prayer in recorded in Ephesians 1:15-23. He wrote:

Ephesians 1:15 For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which [exists] among you and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention [of you] in my prayers; 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18 [I pray that] the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. [These are] in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly [places], 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Paul told them he knew of their love and their faith, and he prayed continuously that God would reveal to them three specific things:

1) They would grasp the rich promises involved in their calling by God (18a);
2) They would recognize their magnificent inheritance because they were called to God’s Kingdom (18b);
3) They would grow into an absolute trust in God’s unstoppable might in the midst of any conflict they would face. (19-23).

Look at Paul’s beginning point in verse 18 – it was the SUPREME BENEFIT of following Christ. Paul knew that if the people could understand all the rich promises involved in the calling, the incredible benefits of knowing the Creator and having a relationship with Him, they would be able to stand up to the rigors of a troubled life. Chapters one through three address that very concept – the clear and rich benefits of knowing God and living life for Him. People throughout the centuries have had a far better concept of the COST of surrender than the BENEFITS of a life lived for God. Paul wanted them to remember and be encouraged, and that is what we want to do as we follow what he wrote.

Dive into the opening chapters of this letter, and don’t skip past their encouragement!

Paul opened the letter with the truth like the fact that God called them, knew what He was getting, and wanted them from the beginning. God loved them and accepted them – no matter what others told them about themselves. As we look at some of the words, consider this: Paul answered a painful question.

What can lift a believer that is suffering in an attack on his life and testimony?

Ephesians 1 opened with Paul greeting the church (1:1-2).

Immediately Paul set out to encourage the Ephesian believers as he told them that he continually praised God because of the work God did on their behalf:

1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ,

He wrote GOD HAS BLESSED US. Then he wrote HOW…

• First, He chose His followers to be distinctly set apart (3,4).

1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love,

Did you notice that God initiated the relationship with men? Did you notice that God intended those who follow Him to CHANGE because of the relationship? Did you see His motivation? God said He did it because He loved them, each one of them.

• He adopted them (as Gentiles!) in the work of Jesus deliberately (5-7), that is both wisely and willfully (8,9) to bring everything together under Christ’s mighty rule (10).

5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, [that is], the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him..

Look at the words: predestined (placed boundaries around beforehand); redemption (purchasing us from our sinful state); forgiveness (settling the account of our sin once and for all time). Now stop and look at what riches belong to the believer: Wisdom and insight about a relationship with God – we can know God and understand His love in a way that those who do not know God cannot grasp. They don’t get it. They think God doesn’t care – if He is even there at all!

It was almost 1:00 AM when the phone beside his bed rang. Dr. Leo Winters, the highly acclaimed Chicago surgeon, was abruptly awakened. There had been an accident and his skill hands were needed for immediate surgery. The quickest route happened to be through a rather tough area, but with time being a critical factor, it was worth the risk. At one of the stoplights his door was yanked open by a man with a gray hat and a dirty flannel shirt. “I got to have your car!” the man screamed, pulling him from his seat. Winters tried to explain the gravity of the situation but the man would not listen. When the doctor was finally able to get a taxi to the hospital over an hour had elapsed and it was too late as the patient had passed away thirty minutes earlier. The nurse told him that the father of the victim had gone to the chapel wondering why the doctor never came. Dr. Winters walked hurriedly to get to the chapel and when he entered he saw the father… he was wearing a gray hat and dirty flannel shirt. (From sermoncentral.com, original author unknown).

Consider how many people you know are just like the man with the gray hat – running past the One who can save their life and the lives of those they love. We live in a world filled with those who suffer in emptiness, confusion, hopelessness, and enslavement to sin and deception, but they will not slow down and listen – for they are rushing to try to save themselves. The Bible teaches that God gives “heart knowledge” of a relationship with Him to those who truly have one. You don’t have to be uncertain!

It may help to know that there are three Greek terms translated “redemption” in the New Testament.

• The first is Agorazo: “To purchase.” This is like the simple act of buying goods from the market. Since slavery was commonplace in first century Rome, there are times when that image is best for what Jesus did for us – purchased those who were slaves to sin.

• The second is Exagorazo: “To purchase out.” This is the word we just looked at, with a prefix placed in front of it meaning “out of”. The word picture probably follows the idea of one who is chosen from a group at the slave market and is removed from the group to be taken home –another great image for the believer.

• Lutroo or Apolutrosis: “To release or set free.” This is the word used by Paul in Ephesians 1, and denotes something a bit different. At the death of a Roman, sometimes the owner’s will allowed for the slaves to be offered the status of FREE MEN while giving them the name of their owner and allowing that slave to become a part of their “gens” or clan. This is what Paul said Jesus did for believers – He died and set them free, adding them to His clan and family. It is a rich image for a first century Roman.

Look at verse 11 for a moment…

• He purposely gave them an inheritance that they may be the first of many to praise and glorify God (11,12) when they trusted His Word and were cemented into a relationship through the Spirit’s power (13).

1:11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation– having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,

Believers have an inheritance – something we will gain that we did not earn and could never have produced. The seal that this will happen was not simply written on parchment, but on our hearts!

• He gave His Spirit as a promise of the new inheritance to reassure them (14).

Ephesians 1:13b “…you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of [God’s own] possession, to the praise of His glory.

The chapter closes with the assurance that Paul heard about their faith he began praising God for this (15,16) constantly praying that they would receive yet more wisdom and Divinely uncovered truth concerning implications of the great call of God for them: hope, riches of the inheritance, a deep understanding of His mighty power available to them, and a knowledge of the powerful exalted position of their Savior! Paul wrote:

Think about this next time you get knocked down by circumstances or put down by people:

• Because God recruits followers thoughtfully, He specifically chose the army to gain victory in the battle: You are not a “mistake” nor a surprise, and God is qualified to choose the right ones!

• Because God gave an unshakeable inheritance to believers, you have an incredible future planned for you, and God has guaranteed it with a down payment of His Spirit within you!

• Because God moved into our heart to offer incredible power and to reassure us when we feel beaten down, we can be lifted countless times – He has power to keep restoring and rebuilding you! The God who spun planets has secured your future!

Keep reading… there is MORE!

In Ephesians 2, Paul continued the encouragement by helping them look past the circumstances of their daily lives. Peering into the veil of the spiritual world, Paul told them a tale of God’s great rescue work and His eternal purpose:

Paul wrote that all of us were shackled in the dungeon of the dead, enslaved by a wicked prince that forced you to entertain him in the filthiness of the flesh (1-3)… Yet, God wouldn’t let you stay there!

Ephesians 2:4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

God was motivated by love and rescued each of us, giving us life! (2:4-5). He granted His children royal privileges that include full rights to His throne (6) in order that he might someday show all realms His true self! (7) He is gracious, our mighty Savior, a wondrous Creator of good things (8-10)… and He did this to create from our ruined self and NEW MAN or WOMAN.

Paul then carefully explained that because of what God called them to be a part of in Jesus, believers must remember their former state of distance from God (as part of the unbelieving nations) was something completely cared for by God in their salvation. There were two implications he highlighted:

• They were NOT second-class believers as some Messianic Jewish teachers were inferring (2:11-18).

• They were different, but fully part of the new structure that God built to be whole and unified (19-22).

When you are hurt by life, and you don’t FEEL in that moment God’s love – consider these truths:

When God found us, we were lost and unlovable, but that didn’t stop a God who sees through the present into the future (2:1-3). That same God made something happen, no matter who would dare to object or protest. When God says you are “in”, you are “in”! (2:4-5). The greatest privileges are God’s alone to give to His creation, and they have been poured out on those he rescued from darkness (2:6-7).

When you are overwhelmed with discouragement, remember, we play a role in eternal history whenever we choose to participate. We have the King’s ear, and access to His throne room. When we walk in the confidence of His work in us we show His victory over sin. When we walk in the sins of the flesh, we contradict what He has said that we were created for (2:7-10).

I love the truth that God flies everyone first class, and doesn’t distinguish between our backgrounds and former failures. He transforms failures – it is what He loves to do! (2:11-18). Because that is true, drop the differences of our past – for God wants us to share, and celebrate unity. We can find a thousand ways to divide us, but His objective is to build a united Body of Messiah that gives glory to Him! (2:19-22).

There is SO MUCH MORE in Ephesians 3, for Paul wasn’t done lifting them. Lest they be confused, God’s choice of them wasn’t some “late breaking thought” in God’s mind, but as part of His eternal purpose!

Paul called God’s plan a “mystery” in Ephesians 3:1-5 because it wasn’t clearly revealed. What was the mystery?

Ephesians 3:6 [to be specific], that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, 7 of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power.

Paul said that no Jew would have ever conceieved of this idea – but it was always God’s plan. He went on to make clear that God always had this planned:

Ephesians 3:11 [This was] in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.

In eternity past, God had a secret. Not everything He was going to unfold was known to even the highest angels of Heaven. He waited for the right time and place, and whispered something that no doubt shocked the angels of His throne room. The name of every believer was part of that secret. Do you know what He said? God put forward YOUR NAME!

God’s covenant with Abraham did not limit His ability to bless the whole earth, even the pagan nations (3:1-8). Though men found this an unbelievable mystery (3:9), and even Heaven was shocked with the news (3:10), it was not an afterthought for God; it was part of His original Divine plan (3:11).

Paul told them exactly what I would tell you today: “When doubt assails, tell the enemy that you have bold confidence and use your access pass to the Father (3:12)!

Pastor John Stevenson told the story: “Dr. Stanley Livingston had a medical condition in which he was required to drink goat’s milk. He was visited one day by a tribal king and he noticed that the king was eyeing his goat. Livingston felt led of the Lord to give the goat as a gift to the king and, in return, the king presented him with the staff that he was carrying. Later that day, Livingston confided in a friend, “I don’t know what I was thinking. How could I have been so foolish as to give my goat away. I don’t know what I shall do with this stick.” His friend replied, “You don’t understand. That isn’t a stick. It is a scepter. You don’t just own one goat. Now you own all the goats in the tribe.” The Lord has given us an inheritance. It is a scepter. And we have been walking around thinking that it is just a stick.”

While our old world faces constant conflict and strife I want to encourage the children of the Living God. Do not be preoccupied by a focus on the promises of comforts coming in Heaven. Speak of Heaven, not as a place of gold, but the place of Christ. Don’t simply seek Heaven’s comforts –long for the King Who made it possible for us! Our promise is found in a Person, not a place.

He is the One sung of through the ages; He is the One worthy of glory and exaltation. Beloved, we must look far past mere promises of coming comfort to celebrate their source – our coming Exalted One!

Believers must be unsatisfied with a song that reminds us that Heaven is a beautiful place – until we sing of Paradise as HIS place.

Let me say it plainly, as we grow in Him we must remember this: When troubles assail – we must exalt Him. When pain creeps and throbs about – we must long for Him. Long for the revealing of the One who IS comfort. The song writer of yesteryear told us: “He is everything that my soul ever longed for, everything He promised and so much more. He is more than amazing, more than marvelous, more than miraculous could ever be – He’s more than wonderful, more than wonderful – that’s what Jesus is to me.” How right he was with his song.

Let Him have our full attention, for focus on coming comfort can become yet another rouse of focus on self. Look at what God has given to you – and what He has given FOR YOU! Feel His love – for He planned for you to do so!

A relationship with God through Jesus brings us certain hope, an eternal home and commanding help to face each day.

One Hour, One Book – Ephesians (Class Notes)

Introduction

The situation in the Roman Empire grew more tense with each passing month. Taxes were rising as the need to supply the expansion of the army became a growing strain. The once great “land owner” armies of the Republic had slowly given way to a professional fighting force from the time of Scipio Africanus and the Carthaginian Wars to the time of Nero (when Paul was writing). The Roman pubs (popinae) were filled with soldiers discussing the new fronts and continual offensives that had stretched the army to the breaking point.

By the time of Paul, the Roman army could not continue its expansions without the assimilation of new ranks from the conquered Barbarians. Yet, these Barbarians were not considered “true” Romans by the whole of the “rank and file”. A great many were brought in to the legions, trained and educated to understand the “civilization” that Rome offered. Still, the older native Italians did not assimilate them without some hostility. Many such Barbarians became the support troops to the Roman legions, guards and transport officers. Many of the harshest jobs or most painfully boring assignments were given them by an establishment that still quietly favored native Romans.

Perhaps such “civilized” barbarians were assigned the tedious work of guarding the prisoner Apostle. It may have been the quiet discrimination that he saw in the ranks that got him thinking about the problems of the Ephesian church. After all, was not the same kind of discouraging discrimination occurring in the small developing church? Teachers from Judea were assailing the small flock with the notion that God wanted all Gentiles to become Jews to in turn be followers of the Hebrew Messiah. Paul prayed continually that the small group of Gentile-born believers would not feel pressed into utter discouragement. The Spirit may have captivated Paul with the way the problem of assimilation was handled by the legions of Rome to assist him in his writings to the church. No doubt Paul used terminology and imagery from the army of Rome in his encouragement and instruction to the Ephesians; an obvious one is found in the armor passage of Ephesians 6:10ff. Both Paul and the Ephesian believers knew the way the assimilation problem was addressed by the Roman army. Note how Paul uses the provisions of the army as a pattern in his letter to the Ephesians about their own “assimilation” and status as believers.

In order for the Empire to gain the loyalty of the captured barbarian fighters, several provisions were given to them.

• First, they were offered a basic education in their new identity as Romans. They were expected to cease living as a barbarian, and understand their natural place in the order of the society (cp. Ephesians 1:5; 2:12,19). They also needed to understand those in stations above and below them (cp. Ephesians 3:10).

• Second, they were offered a piece of land, establishing an inheritance (cp. Ephesians 1:11) for the first time in their lives (as many were from roving and foraging tribal bands). With this land was a NAME and a FAMILY.

• Third, they were taught how to act as a true Roman, and how to become a “civilized” citizen (cp. Ephesians 4:1, 17-23).

• Fourth, they were trained in their rank and work as a soldier (Ephesians 4:8; 6:10ff). Though some served in key positions (some Emperors chose foreigners as personal guards), for the most part, they were given service positions of a lower station.

Under an emotional and spiritual attack by well meaning but misdirected first century Jewish believers, the small but growing band of believers at Ephesus had a “self-image” problem not unlike assimilated barbarian soldiers in the legions of Rome. They were caught up in the battle that defined much of Paul’s teaching and writing (i.e. the battle to see God’s commitment to Israel and to the Gentile world as separate but equal and linked priorities to God). Some were pressing the Ephesians to come under the covering of the covenant God made with the Jewish people at Sinai in order to follow after Jesus. In the end, the net effect was that same as many movements in Christianity through the ages – they were made to feel inadequate in what God called them to be if they did not do things the according to the standard of a certain group within the faith.

The same was true of other groups of believers, like the Corinthians (1 Cor. 7:18-20).

• The letter to the Ephesians was therefore to lift and encourage the beleaguered Gentile believers, and to assure them they were fully accepted by God apart from the covenant promise God was upholding eternally to the Jewish people.

• Beyond encouragement, the letter also offered a call to that small group to walk in a way that showed they were a part of the Kingdom.

• Finally, Paul warned them about being casual in their walk for the days were part of an ongoing battle that promised to continue until Jesus returned.

The book can be easily divided into three parts: The Call of the Believer (Encouragement, Chapters 1-3); The Conduct of the Believer (Instruction, Chapter 4:1-6:9); The Conflict of the Believer (Warning, 6:10-20).

The Historical Setting of the Writing:

Paul wrote the letter at about age 55 while he sat under house arrest in Rome. Other letters like Colossians and Philippians were written about this time.

Paul lived and traveled under five Imperial rulers in his life –

• Augustus (23 BCE-14 CE)
• Tiberius (14-37 CE)
• Caligula (37-41 CE)
• Claudius (41-54 CE)
• Nero (54-68 CE)

Augustus, Tiberius and Caligula were princeps during Paul’s unsaved life, and none seemed to care much of the beginnings of the Christian movement.

Emperor Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome because of unrest evoked by Christians: “Since the Jews constantly made disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus, he [Emperor Claudius] expelled them from Rome” (Suetonius, Life of Claudius, 25:4; Acts 18:2).

Officially, Emperor Claudius died at around noon on 13 October 54. Unofficially, he died during the preceding night or just before dawn. The “missing” hours were needed for Agrippina, after having a significant hand in her husband’s death, to make the proper arrangements for the smooth transition of power. Initially, Agrippina made little effort to conceal her expectations control. She had several enemies openly killed, and was even found on coinage.

Though the first years of Nero’s reign (54−59) were widely regarded as excellent, the accession of Nero as the fifth “princeps” in 54 saw a young and inexperienced prince elevated to the most powerful office in the world, and it was a recipe for disaster. Nero initially did quite well, in particular because of the influence of advisors Seneca, Nero’s tutor and Burrus, the Praetorian Prefect, who held his vices in check. He ruled with reason and moderation on the surface. Behind the scenes, there were worrying indications as Nero chafed against the influence of his mother (who placed his counselors around him. As he grew into the role, he showed less and less interest in mundane administration, but treasured writing poetry and pursuing music, and the thrill of gaming. Agrippina his mother did not like what she saw. What she didn’t see was his deep drives in sexual vices.

Nero, at one point early fell in love with a freedwoman named Acte (55 CE). Seneca and Burrus tolerated the affair, but Agrippina was appalled. Agrippina publicly upbraided her son for his feelings, and began to extol the virtues of Britannicus (a possible rival to the throne). Nero had Britannicus poisoned and his mother removed to her own house, and her imperial guard was withdrawn. She faded from the coinage of Rome from that time. The next we hear of her is in the writings of Tacitus in the year 59.

By the year 59 CE, Paul was awaiting trial in Caesarea, and that year marked a turning point in Nero’s reign for three reasons:

• First, he performed on stage for the first time. Nero had been devoting himself to playing the lyre, singing, acting, and composing poetry. To put Nero’s desire to perform in perspective, we must appreciate the fact that stage performers usually came from the lower orders. The Roman aristocracy found them repellent. He knew his mother would never approve of such behavior.

• Second, he fell in love with Poppaea Sabina (of Pompeii): a beautiful woman that was in her second marriage when Nero and her rendezvoused in love (She was married to general Otho). She was later to die, likely being kicked to death while pregnant by Nero himself, if Suetonius is to be believed.

• Third, he killed his own mother. An ex-slave called Anicetus built a collapsible boat to make the murder look like a maritime accident. When she survived, Nero dispatched with a column of troops, who surrounded the villa, and Agrippina was then hacked to death by her son’s soldiers.

Later in 59 Nero indulged a fantasy and donned racing chariots, an even newer low for the Roman princeps. His lyre-playing and singing annoyed the social upper classes. By the year 60 CE, Nero staged the “Neronia” (humbly named after the sponsor!): a literary, musical, gymnastic, and equestrian competition modeled on Greek spectacles.

Paul likely met Nero for his first hearing in the end of the year 61 CE (following William Ramsey’s date) or perhaps in year 62 CE.. He had been staying at his own expense under guard in a small area close to the Tiber (near or at San Paolo alla Regola in Rome) where tanners and dyers had their operations. He lived in modest chambers and offered us letters like Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. Particularly in Philippians, one can see the hope of the future, as Paul felt optimistic that he could explain his faith in non-threatening terms to the state. He wrote to the Philippians toward the end of his house arrest, anticipating the trial with confidence:

Phil 1:12 “Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, 14and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”

In essence, the charge made against him regarded an issue for Jewish courts – the violation of a barrier in the Temple past which he was accused of taking a non-Jew. It was not a capital crime, and Paul felt he could argue effectively. Dr. Luke apparently volunteered to come along with Paul in his transport, which implies openly that he traveled as his slave to Rome in Acts 28 (or would not have been afforded the opportunity). He suffered the shipwreck on the way, but offered the confidence and hope Paul needed on cold nights facing his trial. During the time of his house arrest, Paul seems to have sent his companions on deliveries (Luke may have carried Philippians, Aristarchus and Epaphrus were sent back toward Asia Minor. Demas was with him, but Paul had doubts about his reliability. The last part of his time in Rome he was mostly alone, but he was soon released and began to travel again.

While in Rome in the year 62 CE, an earthquake (subduction in the Bay of Naples) caused a tsunami with a tidal wave that swamped the ships at Ostia harbor near to Rome, ruining as much as one third of the Alexandrian grain. Coins were minted to show the people that all was well in spite of the disaster, but Nero must have found himself scrambling to meet the needs of the people for bread in that year. Paul was released to travel more between the years 62 and 65.

Each of the “Prison Epistles” share a common organization that reflected something important about Paul’s practice during this confinement. Each began with a specific prayer (cp. Ephesians 1:15-23; Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:9-12) that Paul continually offered for the believers in that city. The prayer, when examined carefully, yields the outline of the argument of the letter. In essence, the prayer’s answer was (at least in part) the revelation God offered to them through Paul’s pen. It is worth remembering that God’s answer came through Paul’s systematic obedience, day after day, praying that God would answer a need. Eventually, God did answer. Paul had the joy of not simply “getting” an answer to his prayer; he got to “be” an answer to the prayer! Think of it! We have these letters, in part because one believer prayed for others! What can God change for future believers because of YOUR faithfulness?

Let’s look carefully at the prayer in this letter. In Ephesians 1:15-23 Paul prayed continuously that God would reveal to them (1:16-17) three specific things: 1) an understanding of the hope of their calling (18a); 2) a knowledge of the rich inheritance that those distinctly called to God’s Kingdom could exhibit (18b); 3) an absolute trust in God’s unstoppable might in the midst of any conflict (19-23). One can make a direct link to the argument of the letter for each of these three revelations. The first (understanding the promise of their calling) is directly related to chapters one through three. The second (their distinction of inheritance) relates thoroughly to the conduct portion of the book (4:1-6:9) where Paul calls on them to walk in a manner worthy of their inheritance, or their “distinctive class” in the society (4:1). The third (grasping God’s might) can easily be linked to the third section (6:10-24) concerning the protection God has supplied for the battle of the Christian life. The outline of the letter, then, is internal and expressed through the prayer of Paul in the beginning. If you look carefully, the same pattern exists in each of the “Prison Epistles”.

Part One. The Call of the Believer (Chapters 1-3)

Chapter 1. The Divine Heritage: What can lift a believer that is suffering in an attack on his life and testimony?

Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are at Ephesus and [who are] faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, [that is], the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation– having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of [God’s own] possession, to the praise of His glory. 15 For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which [exists] among you and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention [of you] in my prayers; 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18 [I pray that] the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. [These are] in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly [places], 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Paul carefully exposed the hope (or more accurately “solid assurance”) of the calling of each Ephesian believer in three ways in the beginning of the letter. First, he reminded them of the unique heritage God bestowed on them. As with a physical son, blessings were bestowed by virtue of their birth into a powerful and wealthy family (Ephesians 1). Continuing this encouragement, Paul moved into the initiative of God in their blessing. They were not simply sons, they were chosen (as in adoption). They were the object of God’s great affection (Ephesians 2). Finally, Paul openly proclaimed they were not a secondary idea in the plan of God, they were part of the fabric of His design and choosing (Ephesians 3).

All of us go through times of feeling a distance with God, times of testing in our walk and times we cannot see clearly through the fog of this world into the beauty and purposes of the next. The church of Ephesus was set in a town that was glorious, but commercially declining. It was a town in which hostility came easily to anything that would undo the tradition and history of the place and its pagan goddess, Diana (cp. Acts 19:27). Paul wrote to the local body of believers that had come from a pagan lifestyle (Eph. 2:11; 3:1) in an effort to lift them spiritually, as well as to assure them that they were fully accepted by God, a teaching that ran contrary to the Judaizers that were attempting to bring the believers into the bondage of acting out a covenant that was not made with them at Sinai.

Chapter 1. After greeting them (1:1-2), Paul set out to encourage the Ephesian believers as he told them that he continually praised God because of the work God did on their behalf:

• He chose them to be distinctly set apart (3,4).
• He adopted them (as Gentiles!) in the work of Jesus deliberately (5-7), wisely and willfully (8,9) to bring everything together under Christ’s mighty rule (10).
• He purposely gave them an inheritance that they may be the first of many to praise and glorify God (11,12) when they trusted His Word and were cemented into a relationship through the Spirit’s power (13).
• He gave His Spirit as a promise of the new inheritance to reassure them (14).
• When Paul heard about their faith he began praising God for this (15,16) constantly praying that they would receive more wisdom and Divinely uncovered truth concerning implications of the great call of God for them: hope, riches of the inheritance, a deep understanding of His mighty power available to them, and a knowledge of the powerful exalted position of their Savior!

Application (timeless truths for all believers of every age):

1) Remember that God recruited them thoughtfully, and specifically chose His army to gain victory in the battle: You are not a “mistake” -He is qualified to choose the right ones!
2) God gave an unshakeable inheritance to them. You have an incredible future planned for you -He has guaranteed it!
3) God moved into their hearts to offer incredible power and to reassure them when they felt beaten down. You can be lifted countless times – He has power to keep restoring and rebuilding you!

Yet, all these things needed to be clearly understood for them to keep their heart in the battle! The key to real encouragement is the understanding of God’s perspective on who we are and what we are worth!

Chapter 2. The Divine Initiative: What in the world is God doing?

Ephesians 2:1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. 11 Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” [which is] performed in the flesh by human hands—12 [remember] that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both [groups into] one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, [which is] the Law of commandments [contained] in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, [thus] establishing peace, 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. 17 AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; 18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner [stone], 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

Paul continued the encouragement by helping them look past the circumstances of their daily lives. Peering into the veil of the spiritual world, Paul told them a tale of God’s great rescue work and His eternal purpose:

• You were shackled in the dungeon of the dead, enslaved by a wicked prince that forced you to entertain him in the filthiness of the flesh (1-3),
• Yet God was moved by love and rescued you (giving you life! 4-5).
• He has granted you royal privileges that include full rights to His throne (6) in order that he might someday show all realms His true self! (7)
• He is gracious, our mighty Savior, a wondrous Creator of good things (8-10).

• They were NOT second-class believers as some Messianic Jewish teachers were inferring (2:11-18).
• They were different, but fully part of the new structure that God built to be whole and unified (19-22).

Application (Timeless truths for believers):

1) When God found us, we were lost and unlovable, but that won’t stop a God who sees through the present into the future (1-3).
2) When God makes something happen, it happens, no matter who objects or protests. When God says you are “in”, you are “in”! (4-5)
3) The greatest privileges are God’s alone to give to His creation, and they have been poured out on those he rescued from darkness (6-7). When discouraged, remember, we play a role in eternal history whenever we choose to participate. We have the King’s ear, and access to His throne room.
4) When we walk in the confidence of His work in us we show His victory over sin. When we walk in the sins of the flesh, we contradict what He has said that we were created for (7-10).
5) God flies everyone first class, and doesn’t distinguish between our backgrounds and former failures. He transforms failures – it is what He loves to do! (11-18).
6) God wants us to share, and celebrate unity. We can find a thousand ways to divide us, but His objective is to build a united Body of Messiah that gives glory to Him! (19-22).

Chapter 3. “The Divine Purpose: The Secret God Whispered about YOU!”

Ephesians 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—2 if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you; 3 that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. 4 By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; 6 [to be specific], that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, 7 of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. 8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; 10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly [places]. 11 [This was] in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. 13 Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory. 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; [and] that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him [be] the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Paul carefully crafted an argument to encourage the believers of Ephesus. He first lifted them when he spoke of their Divine inheritance (chapter 1) and then strengthened the argument as he drew them into an understanding of the Divine Initiative that made their inheritance possible (chapter 2). Paul wanted them to see this as, not as a late breaking thought in God’s mind, but as part of His eternal purpose!

In eternity past, God had a secret. Not everything He was going to unfold was known to even the highest angels of Heaven. He waited for the right time and place, and whispered something that no doubt shocked the angels of the throne room. The name of every believer was part of the secret. Do you know what He said? YOUR NAME!

• God’s covenant with Abraham did not limit His ability to bless the whole earth, even the pagan nations (3:1-8).
• Men found this an unbelievable mystery (9), and even Heaven was shocked with the news (10)!
• It was not an afterthought for God; it was part of His original Divine plan (11).

What did this mean to the individual believer?

Application (The timeless truths for believers):

1) A believer can have bold and have confident access to the Father (12)
2) They can see past the troubles of this life, taking their troubles to a Savior who listens to people of every background that believe on Him (13-15).
3) God’s purpose in saving men is to give them:
a. Incredible and rich blessing in accordance with His abundance (16a).
b. Powerful might to stand in the encouragement of the Spirit within (16b).
c. Integrity and purpose that will demonstrate that Messiah is “at home” in their heart (17a).
d. Deep roots of passionate love for each other and for Him (17b).
e. Some small comprehension of how overwhelming His love for us is, and how much He desires to show it to us by filling us with Himself (17b-19)!

Paul was overwhelmed by what God wanted to do for believers, and closed in a worshipful benediction. Perhaps this was a chorus or a worship song of the early church. Perhaps, because of its great words, it ought to be one in our time!

Benediction Song (paraphrased):

“God is able to do more than we truly think He can.
He is more powerful than what we have experienced so far.
He is worthy of incredible praise and honor!
He will receive that in never-ending praise soon!”
(The Apostle Paul, Ephesians 3:20-21)

Part Two. The Conduct of the Believer (Chapters 4:1-6:9)

Paul argued that each Ephesian believer had a great calling of God, a great “Divinely-initiated” relationship that should lift and encourage any who examine it. Yet, there was a practical side to this call. The rich inheritance they received through the Father necessitated that they cease living as though they were not a part of their new “station” or “class” in society.

Chapter 4. The Walk of the Believer: What does the “march” of Jesus look like?

The image may be properly made (based on 4:1) that they were slaves that had been set free (2:1), then subsequently adopted by a family of great stature (2:11-13). They were supposed to change their lifestyle to match this calling! It was time for the believers to act significantly different than the world around them. It was time they get in step with the cadence call for the march with the Master. For a prince to live as a self-imposed slave was silly. They were free to live their new calling! They were to walk distinctly, as a marching army that had been trained to put off the casual stroll of the world and take on a distinctive look.

What does the “WALK of the believer” look like? Paul seems to have used five images well known to the Ephesian Roman citizens to instruct them on HOW TO WALK. Paul used that term “WALK” five different times between Ephesians 4:1-6:9.

Walk Image #1: The image of the FORUM SLAVE MARKET:

Let’s start with the first of the five “walks” found in Ephesians 4:1-3: Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Paul spoke of WALKING WORTHY by taking the Ephesians into the familiar shopping area or forum of Ephesus–to the well-known but unlikely teaching place of the ROMAN SLAVE MARKET of Asia Minor.

The Romans fully believed they had the right to own slaves. These were not just for the wealthy – slave ownership was common among Romans. The law demanded that dealers disclosed the ethnic origin (natio) of the slaves they were selling. In the market placards (tituli) were hung from the necks of the slaves for sale detailing their place of origin, abilities, their good and, less frequently, their bad points. Most were sold with “money back” guarantees.

Paul reminded the believers they were BOUGHT by Jesus, and need to live up to the tituli of their skills. Look closely at Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore (parakaleo: encourage) you to walk in a manner worthy (viewed as suitable because the cost “matches” actual value) of the calling with which you have been called,

Paul said: As I sit here under house arrest, unable to travel about freely, let me encourage all of you at Ephesus to walk in the way that matches the value of what our Lord paid to purchase each of you – and enlist you in His service. You are a servant purchased with His precious blood – the highest price ever paid. Walk like you were right for the chosen position He placed you in.
Here is the point: Jesus paid an incredible price for us – and we should serve the role that He placed us in with certain specific character traits. What are they? Serve with these five characteristics today:

1. with all humility (other person centeredness) Put the other people in your life before yourself.
2. with gentleness (prah-oo’-tace: feminine noun from the root pra-, emphasizing divine origin of its “gentle strength” which expresses power with reserve and gentleness). Care for others tenderly.
3. with patience (makro-thumia). Don’t easily boil or erupt with them.
4. showing tolerance (an-ekh’-om-ahee: endure, bear with) for one another in love (agape). Bear with their needs, and meet them where you are able.
5. being diligent (spoo-dad’-zo: be swift, quick) to preserve (tay-reh’-o: to guard) the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Catch every opportunity to build up and keep people together.

Walk Image #2: The image of the THERMAE (ROMAN BATH):

Ephesians 4:1-6:9. The second use of walk was found in Ephesians 4:17: “So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 2 1if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in [the likeness of] God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Let be careful to look at the words and see what Paul was saying to the believers through the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

For the image of this WALK, Paul went to the familiar setting of a ROMAN BATH (thermae) and urged the Ephesians to GET CHANGED into the right outfit for their call in Jesus.

• In every Roman bath complex where the artwork is still visible archaeologically, there are two themes – sexuality and pagan mythology. Nude statuary abounds, and some of it was quite provocative.

Believers are to take off the old clothing of that life and put on godly behavior –that includes the distinctive behavior of right acts and holy deeds. In the end of the chapter (4:25-32), Paul applied the practice of this walk to WORDS about each other, PATIENT BEHAVIOR to one another, PEACE between believers, and the IMMEDIATE CEASING of anything that hasn’t been pleasing to God. Here is what God instructed through Paul:

Walk Image #3: An Image from the Roman Theatre

The third use of walk is found in Ephesians 5:1 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. 3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; 4 and [there must be no] filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.”

They borrowed from the Greeks the theatrical entertainment used in Greek cities to tell tales of pagan mythology and morality – but the Romans moved the plays into more action and less thought. They liked violence, and they liked crude groin humor.

The Greeks had Tragedies – where the gods and goddesses would mess with men and bring a turn of fortune to human characters. Comedies were produced to show how the foolish slave may show more wisdom than his wealthy owner – and surprise endings like that. Rising quickly in the Roman theatre was another kind of play – THE MIME. A mime didn’t act like they do in parks today – they were more like a “Saturday Night Live” presentation that was thoroughly base and sexual in its speech.

The characters and situations were farcically portrayed as they MIMICKED characters of government – much like Tina Fey imitated Sarah Palin on stage a few years ago. The coarse dialogue and ludicrous actions were to get the crowd laughing.

Paul seems to mention this by saying “Be imitators of God” (using the term “mimic”).

Mimicking God means to walk in love – to meet needs of those around you. Mimicking lost men was to walk controlled by insatiable lusts. Follow God meant NOT walking with a coarse speech. Our mouths should show our Savior. We should speak truth, not empty chatter. We should speak in a way that builds up – not sensual and base speech.

People should know we are believers by the way we speak. They should know by the way we encourage. They should notice that some words we used to use – we WON’T use now. They should see that even our sense of humor was changed by Jesus.

Walk Image #4: The Vigiles (Night Watchman) of Roman Street

The fourth image is found in Ephesians 5:7 Therefore do not be partakers with them; 8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light 9 (for the fruit of the Light [consists] in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.“

Roman cities were teeming with people in the daytime, but the streets were not full after dark. Because there was no refrigeration or way to keep food fresh, markets had to be resupplied every night for the next day’s commerce with fresh meat, fish, vegetables and fruits. Since the streets were so full, many cities would not allow load carts to occupy the streets during the daylight hours. As a result, the people on the street in the darkness of night were delivery carts, those leaving the brothels and pubs, and a range of seedy characters associated with the darker side of Roman life. Respectables traveled together from a dinner party as a caravan, and were accompanied by body guards. Theft and murder were much more common in a world that had so many poor in close proximity to the rich, and didn’t have the advantages of a “CSI” to find the guilty.

Paul told the believers to be like the night watchmen – the vigiles. They needed to wake up in the darkness, and use the light of their torches to expose the dark deeds of men. They weren’t to be naïve, nor were they to be ANY part of the dishonesty and darkness.

The people of God carry a torch in the darkness. They help law abiding people to feel safe. They create safe places for people by their trustworthy character and their refusal to be involved in the shady work of wicked men and women. They work to please their Master.

Paul told the people to be like the NIGHT WATCHMEN that walk in dark streets – but they carry the light of the truth – and that brings a measure of comfort to others around them while it makes God smile because of them.

Walk Image #5: The Roman Pub (Popinae and Tavernae)

The fifth image of “walk” is found in Ephesians 5:15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

Roman’s celebrated Bacchus – the god of wine – and his gift daily. They had a fundamental belief that wine was a daily necessity to daily life. They made the drink “democratic” and ubiquitous: it was available to slaves, peasants and aristocrats alike. Wine bars are found all over Pompeii and Herculaneum – cities uncovered by archaeologists.

The Roman popina (plural: popinae) was an ancient Roman wine bars, where a limited menu of olives, bread, and soups or stews were sold, along with a selection of wines of varying quality and taste. This was the common pub for plebians of the lower classes of Roman society – the part of Roman social culture where so many believers came from. Every one of them knew about the popina, as we would know about a “Chilis” or “Outback Steakhouse”.

The wine bar had simple stools and tables. They provided food and drink, but also often provided sex and gambling. Respectable Romans of the upper classes considered these as places of crime and violence. Though gambling with dice was illegal, huge numbers of dice have been uncovered in excavations of popinae in cities like Pompeii that most people ignored this law. Several wall paintings from Pompeian popinae show men throwing dice from a dice shaker. Prostitutes frequented popinae, met their customers and took them elsewhere. Some of them, perhaps many of them, had players of music, and provided background for drinking songs that echoed into the night.

Paul told the believers not to be foolish as the people who gambled away their money and fell into a drunken stupor. He called to their attention a different kind of song they could sing-the spiritual and uplifting song both on their tongue and in their heart before God.

Paul told the people to get out of the “spirits” of the PUB and into the Spirit of God.

Part Three: The Conflict of the Believer (Chapters 6:10-20)

Followed by some personal verses: 21 But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible [love].

Why do believers with seemingly good lives fall into collapse and ruin? Why are young zealous Christians often very quickly “cooled off”? Why does it seem some don’t have the fire in their walk with God they once had? It may be because believers are getting hit by shots of the enemy, and aren’t using the protection and power God offered.

The last section of the letter relates to Paul’s desire they learn from God the “greatness of His power toward the believer” (1:19). He had prayed continuously they would finally understand how powerful God’s work for them had been. He wanted them to practically appropriate all the protection of an awesome and powerful God. As a result, God gave Paul a specific word on how that could be done in their lives – by putting on a specific set of armored protective devices.

Chapters 6. “Arming Yourself God’s Way” (Ephesians 6:10-20)

The armor of the Roman soldier became the image of the protective covering God provided for the believer. Paul took inventory and assessed the implements for the fight. He urged the believers of Ephesus to be strengthened in God’s power (10). How?

1) By using the resources God gave them (11);
2) By identifying the real enemy (11b-12);
3) By deliberately putting on all the protection provided by God (13). In 2 Corinthians 2:11 Paul stated that his ministry team was not ignorant of Satan’s devises. Sadly, he knew that many believers ARE ignorant of the war, let alone the strategy of defense. Paul wrote of two types of armor.

The FIRST TYPE was that armor which must always be at the ready. If there was a lull in the battle, the fighter was not to remove the first three implements. He indicated that in the verb form “always having” the:

a. Belt of truthfulness: (alethia: truth as content) vulnerable area, carefully protected (14); Paul was not addressing the truth of salvation (as in v. 17 and the sword, Word), but rather the commitment to truthfulness of the believer!
b. Breastplate of righteousness (holy choices): covering heart, able to take direct blows when positioned correctly (14b), breaks your heart when not maintained. In the Hebrew world, the “heart” is the mind! (Prov. 23:7; Mark 7:21). Paul does not refer to self righteousness (Eph. 2:8-9), nor of imputed righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21), but of a life practice of righteousness, or holy living.
c. Sandle guard straps fixed in position to provide a firm stand with the Gospel: metal tabs that protected the surface of the foot with cletes to hold the soldier in place. Paul refers to the unmovable faith in the Gospel to bring peace in the life of the lost.

The SECOND TYPE of armor was indicated in the poor translation of “Above all” (v.16). The grammar was NOT indicating the shield is more important, but is linked to the verb form of all of the next three items. They were to appropriate at the time necessary the:

d. Blocking shield of faith (theuron; large shield to block arrows; 4.5 feet by 2.5 feet., cp. Psalm 18:30). His reference is not to “belief” as such, but to “trust” that changes our view of ourselves and the world around us. When the battle rages, use the shield. 1) they were effective when locked together; 2) they were effective when held tightly and trusted and all remained in place.
e. Helmet of salvation (refers to the protection of the transformed mind) when we understand that our salvation has a PAST aspect: justification; a PRESENT aspect: sanctification; and a FUTURE aspect, our eventual glorification. We must see things through God’s eyes and learn to call the battle by His Word!
f. Sword of the Spirit: the WORD (RAMA: From the word “to pour, an utterance”) of God. The “machaira” dagger is not the broad sword, rhomphaia). A specific Word from God that He gives to take a direct shot at the enemy!

4) How can believers use the armor? (18)

• It is used in prayer (for God wants us to ask Him for what we need)
• Believers use it when they persevere in troubles.
• Believers use it when they stand with one another in love.

Summary:

Paul pressed a simple case to the beleaguered Ephesians. They were Divinely called to a new citizenship, carefully selected to depart the ranks of pagan barbarians and offered the chance to become a soldier in the great Kingdom of God. They were recruited into an army for which they had to serve faithfully with the equipment provided them. They could not allow the jeering of others to allow them to be derailed in their service of the King! They were not second to Jewish believers, they were to assimilate into the Kingdom while appreciating the unique nature of the choice God had made on their behalf. They were not encouraged to disparage God’s commitment to Jewish believers, but rather to walk in God’s unique commitment to them!

Paul in the Bath Tub? Lessons from a Roman Bath (4 min. video)

Paul taught the Ephesians how to walk as a believer by references to the changing room (apodyterium) of a Roman bath?

Paul used a Slave Market to Teach Believers (4 minute video)

The slave market of ancient Rome and cities like Ephesus were as common a sight to first century Roman citizens as the “golden arches” are to modern Americans!

God's Big Movie – Ephesians 1:3-13

The American movie continues… Well, the time is quickly coming upon us to choose a President for the nation. In the next 130 or so days, our internet, radios, TVs, and even billboards will fire volley and volley, quietly assuring us that only one man can set us on the right path in the future of the nation. Most of us have been around long enough to know that is actually TRUE – but Jesus isn’t going to be on the ballot, so we will have to settle with someone less Savior like. Instead, we will hear about two men’s ideas of how we should move forward. We will debate, and some of us will even argue. Still others will hold up their hands and say “God’s will”, as if voting and engagement were no longer required – but you know that isn’t true. Why mention this season today? Because I want us to look at the ROAD AHEAD. I want to remind you that the story began long before you and I, and will continue until a “The End” slide shines across the Heavens with the Divine remaking of all things promised in the last two chapters of Revelation. In our next study, we will be back to look at those promises. For now, let’s follow the theme of this year’s VBS and take a look at the encouragements that come from understanding “God’s Big Movie”.

Key Principle: God has a plan for our life and our future. It isn’t only something we will experience after death – but something we should experience RIGHT NOW!

This past week at our Vacation Bible School, our children have been learning truths that relate to God’s purposes from Ephesians 1, particularly in verses 11-13. By looking at this together, my hope is that some of you will find a way to have a more meaningful discussion with your children because of the few observations we make on our way to our subject of the day.

Look at Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

Paul opens singing a praise to God! His heart was full because of the many incredible things God did on his and the Ephesian’s behalf. Look more closely at Paul’s encouragement:

First, Paul addressed a believer’s ATTITUDE ABOUT LIFE by his example.

He opened his remarks with praise: 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ…” He welled up inside with praise for all that God did for believers in opening the gates of Heaven to sinful men and women. He knew the God was the source of the blessings of Heaven – not any good deed done by men. We don’t EARN a place at God’s table – the ticket for entry was paid by God’s gift of His Son. The proper attitude anyone who knows what God did for us is one of deep and enduring thanks! That is why Paul wanted to bless God (1:3).

Let me ask a penetrating question: “Are you praising God more, or worrying and complaining more? Are you worried that somehow God has lost track of our country and its bend to push all things Biblical out of the public square? Let me remind you of what Paul was reading in the Roman Times when he was praising God for the blessings to come:

Paul sat for three years in jail in Caesarea, awaiting trial and paying for his own lodging. In the days leading to his arrest, and as he sat there, things weren’t going well in the Roman Empire. Expecting a speedy trial was a pipe dream.

The Emperor decided that he didn’t really like governing, and decided rather to break with all convention of propriety and perform on stage for the first time. Nero let his governing drift – while devoting himself to playing the more important pursuits of lyre playing, singing, acting, and composing poetry. In the past, stage performers usually came from the lower orders. The Roman aristocracy found them repulsive and even his mother (who had him installed in the first place) was embarrassed by his negligence and impropriety. Expecting a level-headed judge in Rome was probably more than Paul could hope for.

Not content to perform his life away, Nero fell in love with Poppaea Sabina (of Pompeii): a beautiful woman that was in her second marriage when Nero and her rendezvoused in love. It didn’t last, as he later got upset with her and kicked her pregnant body to death. Expecting a good outcome in a Roman court headed by Caesar couldn’t have been Paul’s expectation.

Not long after, he ordered the death of his own mother. An ex-slave called Anicetus built a collapsible boat to make the murder look like a maritime accident. When she survived, Nero dispatched with a column of troops, who surrounded the villa, and Agrippina was then hacked to death by her son’s soldiers. Looking for compassion in Nero’s government was a lost cause.

Paul likely met Nero for his first hearing in the end of the year 61 or 62 CE. He had been staying at his own expense under guard in a small area close to the Tiber where tanners and dyers had their operations. He lived in modest chambers and wrote the letters of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. Particularly in Philippians, one can see the hope of the future, as Paul felt optimistic that he could explain his faith in non-threatening terms to the state. He wrote to the Philippians toward the end of his house arrest, anticipating the trial with confidence: Phil 1:12 “Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, 14and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”

To add to the mayhem, either on the journey to get there, or while in Rome in the year 62 CE, an earthquake (subduction in the Bay of Naples) caused a tsunami with a tidal wave that swamped the ships at Ostia harbor near to Rome, ruining as much as one third of the Alexandrian grain. Coins were minted to show the people that all was well in spite of the disaster, but Nero must have found himself scrambling to meet the needs of the people for bread in that year. To expect Nero to be focused on Paul’s plight was impossible.

Yet, Paul walked out of Rome. The Gospel kept spreading. God wasn’t done with him, so Paul wasn’t done. It defied explanation in the human sphere.

What’s my point? Things weren’t going well. The economy was under a huge world-wide strain. The government was increasingly unstable and hostile to truth and decency. YET PAUL WAS CONFIDENT AND PRAISING. What a lesson for people who can’t seem to find the good in days like ours!

Let me be clear: The attitude of the believer is POSITIVE because this life is not where we place our hope. This country is not where we place our value system. We can love our land, fight for our land, pray for our land, stand for our liberties and argue with anyone who desires to tear them from us – but all the while we must remember not to trust in horse, chariots, TVs, cellphones, comfort and fast food. This is where we WORK – Heaven is where we LIVE. Believers who forget that quickly get disillusioned.

Second, Paul addressed a believer’s UNDERSTANDING ABOUT GOD by revelation.

He continued his remarks in the letter by offering a complex thought in the next verses: Ephesians 1:4 “…just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

Paul simple said that God chose believers – but not randomly and not after observation of their qualification. He only knew that because God revealed this truth. God made the determination long before our time that He would open the door of salvation to us, and make it possible for us to be wholly accepted and blameless before Him. We were declared right by His holy intention, long before we even knew right and wrong. In fact, the Bible says we were adopted before an inspection – chosen to produce things that would honor and bring glory to the Father. We have a deliberate understanding that God made a conscious choice to invite us onto a relationship with Him, long before we had a clue He wanted to do so. It wasn’t that He was somehow “bamboozled” by our religiosity or a few good deeds we may have done too look good to Him. In fact, He knew exactly what we were like – and chose us anyway! (1:4).

There are two common maladies that Christians face when they stray from God’s Word:

First, some think themselves better than others, and begin to believe they are higher in God’s sight because of some innate goodness that attracted God to them in the first place. This is called the “Pharisee Disease”. It shows itself on Facebook all the time. It is the reason some people think witness is effective in condemnation. If we insult, brow beat and look down on people, they will realize that we are both superior and right, and they will abandon their unfortunate paganism for the moral high ground, where they can join us!

The second malady that inflicts straying believers is the exact opposite. They begin to compound despair on the guilt of their lives and see themselves as entirely unworthy of God’s grace. They focus on their past, their weakness, their fickle unfaithfulness – or even some event long past. They are discouraged, drained and doubting. This is Christian Anemia.

Standing strong requires two things: recognizing that you don’t know how or why God does what God does, and believing fully in the character of a good God who does things the right way. Those who feel forced to be able to explain every facet of God’s work will labor tirelessly to put every statement of God into a box – and they will end with something well short of Who the Almighty truly is. Let God be God – and let Him know things you don’t. That isn’t just smart, it is required to maintain a Biblical view of God and a balanced view of truth. At the same time, spend less time trying to explain Him and more time trying to bless and honor Him. Trust in the character that knows everything about you and still loves you anyway. You will find He is able to deliver on your trust. It is this very kind of character trust that Paul expressed in Romans 8:38 “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Let me ask you openly: “Do you truly KNOW that God loves you? Do you trust that He is able to see all that you have done, and yet still adopt you as His own and open Heaven to you?” Sometimes the last person to forgive us IS US.

Third, Paul made plain the price of salvation.

He argued that a believer should recognize the means by which He provided to adopt us into a relationship was through the payment made specifically by Jesus Christ (1:7-8). The price was high and the choice was profound. Look at what he said:

Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us In all wisdom and insight …”

Paul recognized the tremendous blood-price of salvation. We aren’t saved by doing good things. We aren’t wooed into Heaven because of our morality. We are honestly judged by God to be fully guilty – and deserving of punishment. One who did nothing wrong was killed as a sacrificial lamb on our behalf. The richness of becoming a son of the Most High was made possible because the Perfect One paid the full purchase price to open the adoption door. We sinned, He substituted Himself as payment. That is the GOOD NEWS. That is the Gospel.

Paul wrote that we are LAVISHED upon by God’s grace. The word “perisseúō” is translated “He lavished on us” forgiveness. The term could be simply translated “over the top”. God went beyond anyone’s expectation and anyone’s reasonable idea to dribble, then pour, than drench us with blessing, love, hope, and freedom from sinful bondage. We swim in His goodness, we wallow in His love. We are saturated by His forgiveness. Who cannot stand and marvel at such a wonder? Who does not feel small and unworthy in ourselves but grateful and satisfied in His choice? Believers need to shut off the TV and stand at the edge of the night’s sky, and look into the unmeasured Heavens with awe that God ever noticed them. When we lose our awe, we lose our thankfulness. When we lose our thankfulness – we lose our power. We need to get out WONDER back!

Fourth, Paul explained that God communicated truth to us.

As Paul continued, he made clear that what he was sharing was not simply a great idea of a really smart guy. He said: Ephesians 1:9 “He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.

There are only two explanations to this world: there is a Creator or there is not. There is intelligence and purpose, or the whole universe is a fluke – an accident, a random series of meaningless events. Our nation’s universities have chosen the latter idea – believing that the signature of God on snowflakes, DNA, stars and galaxies, and even the still inexplicable assembly of the human body in the womb are insufficient to draw the conclusion of a conscious creation. I have chosen to read the heavens and believe that no such order can be random. They can call my belief unscientific. The Bible calls theirs simple foolishness.

Psalm 14 said it this way: 1 “The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds; There is no one who does good. 2 The LORD has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, Who seek after God…”

The way of the fool is gripping a nation and leading us to despair. Young people who are not being educated to see life as a sacred gift are taking over our hospitals, nursing homes and orphanages. Those who have NO VIEW of a Creator or a bigger view of life than food and drink, and now determining treatment options for those who don’t “offer much” to society. Men and women with fine scholastic pedigrees are walking the halls of our hallowed institutions of government with no appreciation that we can to this land and formed this nation to flee those “enlightened” views that led Europe into post- Christian malaise. Our forefathers fled them, and now we graduate them.

What can we do? We can grasp God’s Word tightly and make no apology for believing that trees didn’t create themselves. We can stand for the revelation of God’s Word in the face of those who believe they are akin to the animal kingdom. Let them – for the time being – have their hopeless life – and we will look up and face the Son. We will expect their hostility, and return love in its place. The harder they become, the more hopeless they will feel – it is inevitable. Sodom offered no safety and security long before judgment fell.

When the nation loses all sense of family – when sexuality is nothing more than a choice like one’s breakfast cereal – they will live with the cold world they have sculpted. The love believers have for one another will again shine in darkness, the praise we offer ceaselessly to our Heavenly Father will again release a timbre into the silence, and the unbending way we hold His Word as truth will look as inviting as a warm fire on a cold winter’s night. Let the night come, and stop cursing the darkness. It is almost time for us to shake off the embarrassing way we have embraced the material prosperity at the expense of spiritual tenacity. The night is coming when no man can work – but we need not despair. God told us all about it.

Fifth, Paul explained the PURPOSE of the whole movie.

Paul wrote: “…In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.

God gave new life so that believers can experience the results of the relationship God offers. Such by-products include eventual redemption (to be bought out of slavery to serving sin), current forgiveness (a satisfaction of payment to Him for the breach of rebellion, 1:7), daily understanding of His will for our lives (1:8-9), and a great an optimistic view of the future life with Him and each other (1:10-13).

Listen to the last part of the same words in another more contemporary paraphrase called “The Message”:

1:11-14 It is in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, He had his eye on us, He had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone. It’s in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.

What an amazing set of truths! God wants a relationship with us! God wants to spend time with us in our daily lives, in our hopes and dreams, in our thrills and sorrows. He doesn’t want to be the obligation – the little sister you had to take on dates. He doesn’t want to be on our “to do list” like the call you feel obliged to make to old Aunt Edna who complains about her bowels and denture pains. He wants to be a vibrant part of our lives! That is what we have been teaching children – Know Jesus and Know Peace…. No Jesus and No Peace.

Remember that God chose thoughtfully, and specifically chose His army to gain victory in the battle: You are not a “mistake” -He is qualified to choose the right ones!

Recognize that God gave lavishly. You have an incredible future planned for you -He has guaranteed it and He has paid for it!

Rejoice that God delivers faithfully. No promise of God ever gets left undone. He moved into hearts to offer incredible power and to reassure the down trodden. You can be lifted countless times – He has power to keep restoring and rebuilding you!